Discusses the study of libraries as complex organizations and describes theoretical organizational models that have been used to investigate libraries. The concepts of complexity, centralization, and formalization are examined; occupational specialty, professional training, and knowledge specialization are explored; and further research is…

Reviews the history of affirmative action programs in higher education, and discusses problems in recruiting minority faculty members for library schools. It is suggested that library schools can increase the available pool of minority faculty through mentoring programs and the use of faculty networks. (17 references) (LAE)

Review of research methodologies used in studies of online public access catalog (OPAC) users finds that a variety of research methodologies--e.g., surveys, transaction log analysis, interviews--have been used with varying degrees of expertise. It is concluded that poor research methodology resulting from limited training and resources limits the…

Discusses issues of copyright and the transfer or use of intellectual property as they relate to librarians. Topics addressed include the purpose of copyright laws, financial losses to publishers from pirating, cultural views of pirating, the fair use doctrine, concerns of authors of scholarly materials, impact of increasing library automation and…

Introduces this journal issue which is a symposium on the theory, methods, and applications of qualitative research in the field of library and information science. Highlights include a definition of qualitative research, models of qualitative research, distinguishing features of research practice, comparisons with quantitative research, and…

Describes a research and reading project for high school students which served as a thematic unit on biographies and black history. (SR)

Compares Frame Relay with digital and analog alternatives for connecting sites on a Wide Area Network. Cost considerations, the concepts on which the technology is based, its carrying capacity, the use of CD-ROM and Graphical User Interface (GUI) on Frame Relay, and engineering bandwidth limitations are covered. (KRN)

At New York City's progressive Bank Street School for Children, teaching is directed to the whole child's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The school's reading program focuses on a language-experience approach based on student choice. This article shows how collaboration between teachers and librarians has strengthened the…

Provides a brief overview of CD-ROM products that emulate a library's print collection. Highlights include reference works, including "Microsoft Bookshelf" and "Toolworks Reference Library"; the "New Grolier Electronic Encyclopedia"; periodicals and news services, including "Magazine Rack" and "Front…

The problem of indoor air quality and sick-building syndrome in libraries is explained in terms of human health and comfort and the preservation of books and manuscripts. Ventilation and indoor pollutants are discussed, and a proactive strategy of prevention is recommended. (EAM)

Discusses design principles and procedures that can help librarians use desktop publishing systems to create more effective handouts for bibliographic instruction. Topics addressed include a history of book production; design decisions, including layout, typeface, and color; and suggested readings on designing printed materials. (four references)…

Reports on a study of the problems of, and minimum requirements for, teaching hypertext to undergraduate students in library and information studies. Learning preferences and problems, the effectiveness of a learning program combining concepts and hands-on learning experience, and the problems of absolute beginners are discussed. (four references)…

Provides periodical prices for 1993 and projects 1994 costs. Trends and projections, cost by country of origin, the role of foreign publications, currency fluctuations, and the basis for forecasting are discussed. Cost histories are given by subject area and country of publication. Prices of interest to smaller and public libraries are also given.…

A pilot project used the public library as an Extension information outlet and educational program site. Results determined that, by working with local libraries, county extension centers can disseminate useful information to rural clientele in facilities where they are more likely to look for it. (JOW)

Reviews four books that address educational reform from the perspective of the school library media specialist. The media specialist's partnership role with teachers and administrators as described in "Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs" provides the context for the reviews, and the implications of reform for…